Beyond Procurement: How Businesses Can Go Green Without Losing Profit
When Drew first launched his company back in 2007, it was called MIAA Associates — a consultancy focused on cost savings and procurement efficiency. But after 14 years in business, a global pandemic, and a major internal setback, the team decided it was time for something new.
They rebranded to Beyond Procurement, a name that captured their renewed mission: to go beyond cost-cutting and profits, and to focus on sustainability, climate responsibility, and long-term value.
“We wanted to go beyond the bottom line,” Drew explains. “Beyond profit, beyond just providing commercial support — to create real environmental impact.”
From Cost Savings to Carbon Savings
For years, Beyond Procurement helped clients save money. But behind the scenes, the company was already running award-winning zero-to-landfill projects across the UK.
The rebrand after COVID-19 was a moment of reflection: What truly matters?
They realised that helping businesses cut costs and go green didn’t have to be two separate goals. In fact, they could — and should — go hand in hand.
“We still focus on the commercial side because that’s what gets clients’ attention. But we bring the climate agenda to the front. Businesses won’t move toward net zero unless there’s a commercial benefit — so we help them find both.”
Understanding Net Zero: The Basics
Many business owners still find “Net Zero” confusing. Drew breaks it down simply:
- Carbon Neutrality means balancing the amount of carbon emitted with the amount offset.
- Net Zero goes a step further — reducing all emissions (not just carbon) as close to zero as possible, then offsetting the small remainder.
These emissions are measured in three scopes:
- Scope 1 – Direct emissions: energy you directly control (e.g., heating, company vehicles).
- Scope 2 – Indirect emissions: purchased energy, such as electricity.
- Scope 3 – Supply chain emissions: everything else — the products you buy, use, and sell.
“Even a small business has a carbon footprint,” Drew explains. “You might be in a serviced office or work from home, but you still have suppliers, waste, and consumption. It all counts.”
Why Businesses Must Care
Beyond Procurement avoids preaching the moral message — not because it doesn’t matter, but because it rarely motivates.
“Only about 5–10% of businesses act for moral reasons,” Drew says. “The rest are driven by legal or commercial pressures.”
And those pressures are real.
- Legally, the UK has committed to halving carbon emissions by 2030 and reaching Net Zero by 2050.
- Commercially, major corporations and government bodies are starting to demand carbon reduction plans from all suppliers.
- Competitively, sustainability is becoming a tender-winning factor. Businesses that can demonstrate climate action are already outpacing those that can’t.
“We’re seeing what we call the Green Wave,” Drew explains. “It’s coming fast. You can’t stop it. You can either surf it — or get hit by it.”
The Real Business Benefits of Going Green
Despite the hesitation, going green isn’t a financial burden — it’s a business advantage.
According to Drew, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can expect three key benefits:
- Cost Reduction:
- Lower energy, water, and waste costs.
- Greater operational efficiency.
- Reduced exposure to fluctuating energy prices.
- Lower energy, water, and waste costs.
- Brand and Tender Advantage:
- Stronger reputation and public image.
- Improved chances of winning tenders and retaining clients.
- Stronger reputation and public image.
- Staff Attraction and Retention:
- Employees, especially younger generations, want to work for ethical businesses.
- Staff engagement improves when they feel part of a sustainable mission.
- Employees, especially younger generations, want to work for ethical businesses.
“Sustainability equals profit,” Drew says. “The more sustainable your operations, the more efficient you become — and the more money you make.”
The Barriers: Why Businesses Delay Action
Even with the benefits, many businesses hesitate. Drew identifies four common roadblocks:
- “We don’t have the time.”
- “We don’t have the skills.”
- “We don’t have the money.”
- “We’re confused — there’s too much information.”
But as Drew explains, these aren’t real barriers — they’re excuses.
“It’s not about switching everything overnight or investing in expensive technology. It’s about small, steady improvements — reducing waste, saving energy, changing behaviours. That’s where the big differences start.”
How to Start Your Net Zero Journey
Drew recommends a three-step approach for any small business ready to begin:
- Measure:
- Start with your Scope 1 and 2 emissions (energy, buildings, waste).
- Use online tools or work with a sustainability consultant to establish your baseline.
- Start with your Scope 1 and 2 emissions (energy, buildings, waste).
- Plan:
- Create a carbon reduction strategy tailored to your business.
- Focus on achievable short-term wins while setting long-term targets.
- Create a carbon reduction strategy tailored to your business.
- Act:
- Reduce energy and water consumption.
- Switch to renewable or carbon-neutral suppliers.
- Engage your team — sustainability works best when everyone participates.
- Reduce energy and water consumption.
“Measure, plan, act,” Drew summarises. “That’s the simple roadmap. You can’t change what you don’t measure.”
A Mindset Shift: Clean Up After Yourself
Drew uses a simple but powerful analogy:
“If you go for a picnic with your family, you don’t leave the mess behind — you clean up after yourself. It’s the same with business. Just look after your own patch first.”
That mindset is key. Sustainability isn’t about saving the planet alone — it’s about being responsible, efficient, and prepared.
“The planet will survive. It’s us — humans — who need saving. Businesses that adapt now will thrive later. Those who wait for the tsunami will drown.”
Final Message
The message from Beyond Procurement is clear:
- Don’t wait for legislation to force change.
- Don’t assume it’s too expensive or too late.
- Start small, measure honestly, and focus on progress.
“You can’t avoid the Green Wave,” Drew concludes. “You either get hit by it — or surf it.”
